Olympus E-PL2 vs Panasonic TS30

In this write-up, we will be analyzing the Olympus E-PL2 and Panasonic TS30, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Waterproof by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a noticeable gap between the sensor resolutions of the E-PL2 (12MP) and TS30 (16MP) and the E-PL2 (Four Thirds) and TS30 (1/2.3") feature different sensor size.

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The E-PL2 was unveiled 4 years prior to the TS30 and that is quite a sizable difference as far as technology is concerned. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PL2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic TS30 being a Compact camera.

Before diving straight into a detailed comparison, below is a concise overview of how the E-PL2 scores versus the TS30 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL2 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS30. The full galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL2 Gallery & Panasonic TS30 Gallery.

If you are going to carry your camera frequently, you should factor its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-PL2 has got exterior measurements of 114mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") having a weight of 362 grams (0.80 lbs) while the Panasonic TS30 has dimensions of 104mm x 58mm x 20mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 0.8") accompanied by a weight of 142 grams (0.31 lbs).

Compare the Olympus E-PL2 and Panasonic TS30 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you have chosen during that time. Underneath is the front view measurements comparison of the E-PL2 against the TS30.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL2 and TS30 is 85 and 95 respectively.

Sometimes, it is very difficult to visualize the contrast between sensor sizing just by going over technical specs. The photograph below might give you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PL2 and TS30.

As you can tell, both of the cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The E-PL2 using its bigger sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF simpler and the Panasonic TS30 will deliver more detail having an extra 4MP. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop pictures far more aggressively. The older E-PL2 is going to be behind in sensor technology.